U.S. patent application number 14/785612 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for x-ray photography device capable of photographing in various photography modes.
The applicant listed for this patent is LISTEM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Chang Ho MOON, Jung Hyun MOON, Sang Jin Moon, Jung Wook Shin.
Application Number | 20160073985 14/785612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51995397 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160073985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MOON; Chang Ho ; et
al. |
March 17, 2016 |
X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHY DEVICE CAPABLE OF PHOTOGRAPHING IN VARIOUS
PHOTOGRAPHY MODES
Abstract
An X-ray photography device capable of readily photographing by
switching to various photography modes such as a standing mode, a
table mode and the like with one X-ray photography device is
disclosed. To this end, the X-ray photographing device comprises: a
base frame; a support frame pivotably coupled to one side of the
base frame through a hinge shaft and on one side of which an X-ray
detector for detecting X-rays irradiated from an X-ray generation
device is slidably provided; and an actuator of which one end is
rotatably fixed to the base frame and of which the other end is
rotatably fixed to the support frame spaced at a predetermined
distance from the hinge shaft, and which pivots the support frame
around the hinge shaft within a predetermined angle range while
moving a driving shaft therein forward and backward by pneumatic or
hydraulic pressure supplied from the outside.
Inventors: |
MOON; Chang Ho; (Seoul,
KR) ; MOON; Jung Hyun; (Wonju-si, KR) ; Moon;
Sang Jin; (Seoul, KR) ; Shin; Jung Wook;
(Wonju-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LISTEM CORPORATION |
Wonju-su Gangwon-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
51995397 |
Appl. No.: |
14/785612 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
March 31, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2014/002738 |
371 Date: |
October 19, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
378/181 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/447 20130101;
A61B 6/4429 20130101; A61B 6/4452 20130101; A61B 6/0407 20130101;
A61B 6/0487 20200801 |
International
Class: |
A61B 6/00 20060101
A61B006/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 19, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0043309 |
Mar 13, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0029890 |
Claims
1. An X-ray imaging apparatus capable of performing imaging in
various imaging modes, comprising: a base frame; a support frame
pivotally combined with one side of the base frame and having one
side at which an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted
from an X-ray generating device is slidably installed; and an
actuator including one end that is pivotally fixed to the base
frame and the other end that is pivotally fixed to the support
frame, and enabling the support frame to be pivoted in a
predetermined angle range.
2. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
first wheel rotatably fixed to one inner end of the support frame;
a second wheel rotatably fixed to the other inner end of the
support frame facing the first wheel; a wire that is connected to
the first wheel and the second wheel and forms a closed loop shape;
and a balancing weight configured to maintain a balance with the
X-ray detector.
3. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wire
includes a first wire including one end that is fixed to the X-ray
detector and the other end that is fixed to the balancing weight
while being wound on the first wheel; and a second wire including
one end that is fixed to the X-ray detector and the other end that
is fixed to the balancing weight while being wound on the second
wheel.
4. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a
driving motor installed at the support frame and configured to
transmit rotary power to either the first wheel or the second
wheel; and a manipulation switch configured to manipulate the
driving motor to be rotatably driven forward or backward.
5. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 3, wherein the X-ray
detector includes a detector body having a plate shape; and a
sliding frame that is combined with a rear side of the body and
slidably moves in a lengthwise direction of the support frame,
wherein ends of one side of the first wire and the second wire are
detachably connected through a fixing bracket fixed to the sliding
frame.
6. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 5, wherein both ends of the
first wire and both ends of the second wire are detachably combined
with the fixing bracket of the sliding frame and the balancing
weight through wire fixing screws.
7. An X-ray imaging apparatus capable of performing imaging in
various imaging modes, comprising: a base frame installed to be
slidably linearly movable on a bottom portion; a support frame
pivotally combined with one side of the base frame and having one
side at which an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted
from an X-ray generating device is slidably installed; an actuator
including one end that is pivotally fixed to the base frame and the
other end that is pivotally fixed to the support frame, and
enabling the support frame to be pivoted in a predetermined angle
range; a driving unit configured to drive such that the base frame
slidably linearly moves on the bottom portion; a table installed
above the bottom portion in a tiltable manner; a tilting unit
configured to tilt the table; and a control unit configured to
control the actuator, the driving unit, and the tilting unit.
8. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the control unit
controls the driving unit and the actuator such that a sliding
linear movement of the base frame and a rotational movement of the
support frame with respect to the base frame are able to be
performed simultaneously.
9. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the control unit
is a foot switch that is attached to the bottom portion and is
manipulated by a foot.
10. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the table
includes an upper plate; a pair of fixed leg portions whose lower
end is fixed to the bottom portion and whose upper end is rotatably
combined with the upper plate by a hinge; and a pair of rotating
leg portions that are positioned at a side opposite to the upper
plate facing the fixed leg portion and have an upper end that is
rotatably combined with the upper plate by a hinge and a lower end
that is mounted on the bottom portion.
11. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 10, wherein a parking
device configured to park the rotating leg portion to be mounted at
a normal position is installed in a part of the bottom portion on
which the rotating leg portion is mounted.
12. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 11, wherein the parking
device is installed into a groove formed at both corner parts of
the bottom portion.
13. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 11, wherein the parking
device includes a leg pedestal portion made of a shock-absorbing
material attached to a lower end of the rotating leg portion; a
U-shaped mounting unit on which the leg pedestal portion is
inserted and mounted; and a leading unit configured to lead the leg
pedestal portion to be inserted into the mounting unit.
14. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 10, wherein the tilting
unit includes a first bracket combined with a fixed leg portion; a
second bracket combined with an upper plate; and a cylinder that
includes a lower end combined with the first bracket by a hinge and
an upper end combined with the second bracket by a hinge, and tilts
up and down the upper plate.
15. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 14 wherein the cylinder is
an electric cylinder that rotates a motor inside the cylinder
forward or backward when power is applied and reciprocates a
rod.
16. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 10, wherein the tilting
unit is installed at at least one of a pair of fixed leg portions
(302).
17. The X-ray imaging apparatus of claim 9, wherein the driving
unit includes a driving motor installed inside the base frame; a
plurality of casters that are rotatably installed at a lower end of
the base frame and move along an upper surface of the bottom
portion in a rolling manner; a power transmission device connecting
the driving motor and the caster and configured to transmit power
of the driving motor to the caster; and a guide unit configured to
guide the caster to be moved along a determined linear trajectory.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus
capable of easily performing imaging by switching a mode to various
imaging modes such as a standing mode and a table mode using one
X-ray imaging apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, X-ray imaging apparatuses are medical
apparatuses that are used for radiographic examinations using
images of internal diseases of human bodies, and analyze whether a
bone of human bodies is damaged in a chest, a head,
gastrointestinal tracts, vertebrae and injured areas of human
bodies through X-rays.
[0003] In general, such X-ray imaging apparatuses have different
imaging modes, a standing mode in which imaging is performed while
a patient stands up and a table mode in which imaging is performed
while the patient is lying on a table. Here, when imaging is
performed in the standing mode, imaging is performed while an X-ray
detector mounted to be vertically movable on a wall surface or a
post positioned at a side opposite to an X-ray generator is gripped
with a hand, and the X-ray detector is raised or lowered to an
appropriate height according to a required imaging area. When
imaging is performed in the table mode, while the X-ray detector is
disposed at a lower end of the table, the X-ray generator installed
at a ceiling opposite thereto is moved up, down, left or right and
disposed at an appropriate position, and then imaging is
performed.
[0004] In Korean Patent No. 10-0484613, an example of a stand type
X-ray imaging apparatus in which X-ray imaging can be performed
while the patient stands up is disclosed. As illustrated in FIG. 1,
the X-ray imaging apparatus disclosed in the above patent includes
a vertical frame 2 including a support or a plate, a driving motor
6 disposed at one side of the vertical frame 2 and having a
different voltage output, a driving wheel 8 that is disposed above
the vertical frame 2 and connected to the driving motor 6, a wire
10 to be wound on the driving wheel 8, a weight 12 installed to be
suspended from one end of the wire 10, an X-ray detector 16 that is
connected to the other end of the wire 10 and slidably moves along
the vertical frame 2, an automatic manipulation switch 18
configured to rotate the driving motor 6 forward or backward, and a
gripping unit 22 configured to manually push or pull the X-ray
detector 16. The X-ray imaging apparatus having such a
configuration images a body area of the patient when an operator
grips the gripping unit 22 of the X-ray detector 16 while X-ray
imaging is performed, moves up or down the X-ray detector 16 to be
positioned at an appropriate imaging area, and then emits X-rays
from an X-ray generator (not illustrated) positioned at a side
opposite to the X-ray detector 16 to the X-ray detector.
[0005] However, the above-described stand type X-ray imaging
apparatus of the related art was designed such that X-ray imaging
is possible only when the patient stands up. Therefore, in order to
perform imaging while the patient is lying on the table, a separate
X-ray imaging device dedicated for the table mode is necessary. In
this manner, general X-ray imaging apparatuses of the related art
were designed to be used only in the standing mode or the table
mode. Therefore, there are problems in that a separate X-ray
imaging apparatus dedicated for each imaging mode is necessary, and
accordingly an installation cost excessively increases due to
redundant installations of expensive X-ray imaging apparatuses, or
an installation space is not efficiently utilized.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0006] In view of the above-described problems, the present
invention provides an X-ray imaging apparatus configured such that,
in a stand type X-ray imaging apparatus of the related art, a
support frame supporting an X-ray detector is pivotally fixed to
one side of a base frame fixed to an installation bottom surface,
an actuator installed at the base frame is driven, and the support
frame is pivotable at a predetermined angle. Therefore, an imaging
task can be performed in various imaging modes such as a standing
mode and a table mode using one X-ray detecting device. It is
possible to minimize an installation cost according to additional
installation of an X-ray imaging apparatus for each imaging mode
and efficiently utilize an installation space, unlike the related
art.
[0007] The present invention also provides an X-ray imaging
apparatus in which manual manipulation of an X-ray detector is
easily performed through a balancing weight when the X-ray detector
is gripped with a hand and a position adjusting task is manually
performed, and it is possible to prevent damage of a device and
safety problems caused when a wire wound on a wheel inside an X-ray
detecting device is separated from the wheel in a process in which
a mode of the X-ray detecting device is switched from a standing
imaging mode to a table imaging mode or switched reversely.
[0008] The present invention also provides an X-ray imaging
apparatus in which an X-ray detecting device and a table are
implemented as one set in a certain area in an assembling manner,
and thus it is possible to perform imaging by freely changing a
mode of the X-ray imaging apparatus to a standing mode or a table
mode even in a narrow space, that is, a limited installation
space.
Technical Solution
[0009] In view of the above-described problems, an X-ray imaging
apparatus according to the present invention includes a base frame;
a support frame pivotally combined with one side of the base frame
and having one side at which an X-ray detector configured to detect
X-rays emitted from an X-ray generating device is slidably
installed; and an actuator including one end that is pivotally
fixed to the base frame and the other end that is pivotally fixed
to the support frame, and enabling the support frame to be pivoted
in a predetermined angle range.
[0010] Here, the present invention may further include a first
wheel rotatably fixed to one inner end of the support frame; a
second wheel rotatably fixed to the other inner end of the support
frame facing the first wheel; a wire that is connected to the first
wheel and the second wheel and forms a closed loop shape; and a
balancing weight configured to maintain a balance with the X-ray
detector.
[0011] In this case, the wire may include a first wire including
one end that is fixed to the X-ray detector and the other end that
is fixed to the balancing weight while being wound on the first
wheel; and a second wire including one end that is fixed to the
X-ray detector and the other end that is fixed to the balancing
weight while being wound on the second wheel.
[0012] Also, the present invention may further include a driving
motor installed at the support frame and configured to transmit
rotary power to either the first wheel or the second wheel; and a
manipulation switch configured to manipulate the driving motor to
be rotatably driven forward or backward.
[0013] Also, the X-ray detector may include a detector body having
a plate shape; and a sliding frame that is combined with a rear
side of the body and slidably moves in a lengthwise direction of
the support frame, wherein ends of the first wire and the second
wire may be detachably connected through a fixing bracket fixed to
the sliding frame.
[0014] In addition, both ends of the first wire and both ends of
the second wire may be detachably combined with the fixing bracket
of the sliding frame and the balancing weight through wire fixing
screws.
[0015] Meanwhile, in view of the above-described problems, an X-ray
imaging apparatus according to another aspect of the present
invention includes a base frame installed to be slidably linearly
movable on a bottom portion; a support frame pivotally combined
with one side of the base frame and having one side at which an
X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted from an X-ray
generating device is slidably installed; an actuator including one
end that is pivotally fixed to the base frame and the other end
that is pivotally fixed to the support frame, and enabling the
support frame to be pivoted in a predetermined angle range; a
driving unit configured to drive such that the base frame slidably
linearly moves on the bottom portion; a table installed above the
bottom portion in a tiltable manner; a tilting unit configured to
tilt the table; and a control unit configured to control the
actuator, the driving unit, and the tilting unit.
[0016] Here, the control unit may control the driving unit and the
actuator such that a sliding linear movement of the base frame and
a rotational movement of the support frame with respect to the base
frame are able to be performed simultaneously.
[0017] The control unit may be a foot switch that is attached to
the bottom portion and is manipulated by a foot.
[0018] The table may include an upper plate; a pair of fixed leg
portions whose lower end is fixed to the bottom portion and whose
upper end is rotatably combined with the upper plate by a hinge;
and a pair of rotating leg portions that are positioned at a side
opposite to the upper plate facing the fixed leg portion and have
an upper end that is rotatably combined with the upper plate by a
hinge and a lower end that is mounted on the bottom portion.
[0019] Here, a parking device configured to park the rotating leg
portion to be mounted at a normal position may be installed in a
part of the bottom portion on which the rotating leg portion is
mounted.
[0020] In this case, the parking device may be installed into a
groove formed at both corner parts of the bottom portion.
[0021] The parking device may include a leg pedestal portion made
of a shock-absorbing material attached to a lower end of the
rotating leg portion; a U-shaped mounting unit on which the leg
pedestal portion is inserted and mounted; and a leading unit
configured to lead the leg pedestal portion to be inserted into the
mounting unit.
[0022] Meanwhile, the tilting unit may include a first bracket
combined with a fixed leg portion; a second bracket combined with
an upper plate; and a cylinder that includes a lower end combined
with the first bracket by a hinge and an upper end combined with
the second bracket by a hinge, and tilts up and down the upper
plate.
[0023] In this case, the cylinder may be an electric cylinder that
rotates a motor inside the cylinder forward or backward when power
is applied and reciprocates a rod.
[0024] Also, the tilting unit may be installed at at least one of a
pair of fixed leg portions.
[0025] Also, the driving unit may include a driving motor installed
inside the base frame; a plurality of casters that are rotatably
installed at a lower end of the base frame and move along an upper
surface of the bottom portion in a rolling manner; a power
transmission device connecting the driving motor and the caster and
configured to transmit power of the driving motor to the caster;
and a guide unit configured to guide the caster to be moved along a
determined linear trajectory.
Advantageous Effects
[0026] The present invention having the above configuration is
configured such that, in the stand type X-ray detecting device, the
support frame supporting the X-ray detector is pivotally combined
with one side of the base frame through a hinge shaft, the actuator
is installed between the base frame and the support frame, and the
support frame is freely pivotable about the hinge shaft in a
predetermined angle range through the actuator. Therefore, imaging
can be performed using one X-ray detecting device by switching a
mode to various imaging modes such as the standing mode and the
table mode. In addition, unlike the related art, since there is no
need to separately provide a dedicated imaging apparatus for
performing imaging in the standing mode or the table mode, it is
possible to reduce an installation cost. Since a separate dedicated
installation space for each imaging mode is unnecessary, it is
possible to maximize an installation space utilization.
[0027] Also, a wire connection structure having a closed loop shape
in which the first wheel and the second wheel are rotatably fixed
to both inner ends of the support frame of the X-ray detecting
device and the wire is wound on and connects the first wheel and
the second wheel is formed. Therefore, when a mode of the X-ray
detecting device is switched from the standing imaging mode to the
table imaging mode or switched reversely, it is possible to prevent
the wire wound on two wheels from being released and separated from
the wheel. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent component damage
and safety problems caused when the wire is separated from the
wheel and thus the balancing weight is separated.
[0028] Also, both ends of the first wire wound on the first wheel
and the second wire wound on the second wheel are detachably
combined with the fixing bracket of the sliding frame and the
balancing weight through a separate wire fixing screw. Therefore,
since wire fixing screws fixed to both ends of the first and second
wires can be easily separated from and recombined with the fixing
bracket of the sliding frame or the balancing weight as necessary,
it is possible to easily replace or repair a component when an
internal component is damaged.
[0029] Also, the X-ray detector is installed to be horizontally
movable in a front and rear direction of the bottom plate, and
simultaneously the table is installed to be tiltable in a vertical
direction. Therefore, when imaging is performed in the standing
mode, the imaging task can be performed while the table is tilted
up and then the X-ray detecting device is horizontally moved in one
direction and is in an upright state. When imaging is performed in
the table mode, the upright X-ray detecting device is slidably
moved in an opposite direction again and is placed in a horizontal
state, the table is tilted down again to be restored to an original
state, and thus the imaging task can be performed in the table
mode. Therefore, even in a narrow space, that is, a limited space,
it is possible to easily perform the X-ray imaging task by freely
changing a mode to the standing mode or the table mode using the
X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention. It is possible to
suppress an additional increase in costs necessary for ensuring an
installation space according to separate installation of the X-ray
detecting device and the table in different spaces.
[0030] Also, when the control unit controls such that a sliding
linear movement of the base frame and a rotational movement of the
support frame with respect to the base frame are simultaneously
performed, it is possible to reduce the number of control units for
separately controlling the linear movement of the base frame and
the rotational movement of the support frame. When the control unit
sequentially separately operates configuration units, it is
possible to address possible inconvenience in use and a time delay
problem. In addition, when the foot switch is installed at a bottom
portion as the control unit, since the user can easily manipulate
the foot switch provided at the bottom portion with his or her
foot, it is possible to increase convenience in use.
[0031] Also, a separate parking device is installed at the bottom
portion on which a rotating leg portion of the table is mounted.
Therefore, when the table is tilted down, the rotating leg portion
is guided to a determined position and easily mounted through the
parking device. While the rotating leg portion is mounted in the
parking device, it can be firmly fixed without an unbalanced
sliding motion.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging apparatus
according to the related art.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3.
[0036] FIG. 5 is an operation state diagram illustrating a state in
which an X-ray detector of FIG. 4 is lowered to a predetermined
distance.
[0037] FIG. 6 is an operation state diagram illustrating a state in
which a support frame of the X-ray imaging apparatus illustrated in
FIG. 2 is rotated 90 degrees.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a disposition diagram illustrating a state in
which the X-ray imaging apparatus is disposed when imaging is
performed in a standing mode using the X-ray imaging apparatus
according to the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a disposition diagram illustrating a state in
which the X-ray imaging apparatus is disposed when imaging is
performed in a table mode using the X-ray imaging apparatus of the
present invention.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging apparatus
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a detail view illustrating a detailed part of a
table tilting device illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a usage state diagram illustrating a state in
which a table is completely tilted up in order to perform imaging
in a standing mode in the X-ray imaging apparatus of FIG. 9.
[0043] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state
in which a lower end of a rotating leg portion of a table is parked
in a parking device provided in a bottom portion of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state
in which a driving unit for a sliding linear movement is installed
inside a base frame of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 14 is an operation state diagram sequentially
illustrating a process in which a table according to the present
invention is tilted up by a tilting unit.
[0046] FIG. 15 is an operation state diagram illustrating a state
in which a sliding linear movement of a base frame and a rotational
movement of a support frame according to the present invention are
simultaneously performed.
EMBODIMENTS
[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an X-ray detecting device
configured to detect X-rays emitted from an X-ray generating device
in an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view seen from a side of FIG.
2.
[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the X-ray imaging apparatus
according to the present invention includes an X-ray generating
device configured to generate X-rays and an X-ray detecting device
configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray generating
device.
[0050] Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, an X-ray detecting
device 100 includes a base frame 110 fixed to a bottom surface of
an installation target, a support frame 130 that is pivotally fixed
to the base frame 110 and at which an X-ray detector 120 configured
to detect X-rays is installed to be vertically movable, and an
actuator 140 configured to pivot the support frame 130 at which the
X-ray detector 120 is installed in a predetermined angle range with
respect to the base frame 110.
[0051] The base frame 110 includes a horizontal portion 111 that is
fixed to the bottom surface of the installation target and has a
bracket shape, and a pair of vertical portions 112 that are
separated at a certain interval such that a lower end of the
support frame 130 can be inserted and vertically stand on to be
fixed to the horizontal portion 111. Also, the lower end of the
support frame 130 is inserted between both of the vertical portions
112 of the base frame 110 and then is pivotally combined at the
outside of the vertical portion 112 through a hinge shaft 113.
Therefore, the support frame 130 remains in a state in which
pivoting about an area with which the hinge shaft 113 is combined
is possible with respect to the base frame 110 fixed to the bottom
surface.
[0052] The X-ray detector 120 configured to detect X-rays emitted
from an X-ray generator (not illustrated) is provided at an upper
front side of the support frame 130. The X-ray detector 120 is
combined with a front side part of a sliding frame 123 that is
vertically slidably installed inside the support frame 130, and
vertically moves in linkage with a vertical direction movement of
the sliding frame 123. Also, a pair of handgrip portions 121
configured for a user to grip and manually vertically transfer the
X-ray detector 120 with both hands are provided at a lower end of a
rear surface portion of the X-ray detector 120.
[0053] The actuator 140 is a driving unit capable of pivoting the
support frame 130 clockwise or counter-clockwise and has a lower
end that is rotatably combined with a bracket 141 fixed to a side
of the horizontal portion 111 of the base frame 110 and an upper
end that is rotatably combined with a side surface of the support
frame 130 separated a predetermined distance in an upper direction
from the hinge shaft 113 through a bracket 143.
[0054] The actuator 140 advances and retreats a driving shaft
(piston shaft) 142 provided therein according to a pneumatic
pressure or a hydraulic pressure supplied from the outside, pivots
the support frame 130 clockwise or counter-clockwise with respect
to the hinge shaft 113, and regulates an angle of the support frame
130 in a certain angle range. In this case, supply of the pneumatic
pressure or the hydraulic pressure supplied to the actuator 140 or
an advancing and retreating direction of the driving shaft 142 of
the actuator are selected according to an operation of a
manipulation switch 180 provided at the outside.
[0055] For example, while the driving shaft 142 is completely
withdrawn from the actuator 140, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
support frame 130 on which the X-ray detector 120 is mounted
remains in an upright state in which the support frame 130
vertically stands on the bottom surface, and X-ray imaging can be
performed on a patient in a standing mode. On the other hand, while
the driving shaft 142 is completely inserted into the actuator 140,
as illustrated in FIG. 6, the support frame 130 remains in a
horizontal state, that is, in parallel to the bottom surface, and
X-ray imaging can be performed on the patient in a table mode.
[0056] In this manner, since the actuator 140 provided at the
outside of the support frame 130 is driven to freely switch a state
of the support frame 130 to a vertical or horizontal state, an
X-ray imaging task can be performed using one X-ray detecting
device 100 by easily changing a mode to the standing mode or the
table mode. In addition, since a rotation angle of the support
frame 130 by the actuator 140 can be variously changed in an angle
range of 0 to 90 degrees, the X-ray imaging task can be performed
on the patient in various several postures.
[0057] Reference numerals 132 and 133 (not described) denote a
cable carrier in which various data cables, power cables for
driving the X-ray detecting device 100 and the like are
accommodated. Reference numeral 131 denotes a groove formed at the
front of the support frame 130 to temporarily accommodate a part of
the cable carrier when the X-ray detector 120 is raised or
lowered.
[0058] Meanwhile, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a
detailed internal structure of the X-ray detecting device 100 in
the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an operation state diagram illustrating a state in which
the X-ray detector 120 of FIG. 4 is lowered to a certain distance
along the support frame 130.
[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the X-ray detecting
device 100 according to the present invention, a first wheel 151 is
rotatably fixed to an upper inner end of the support frame 130 and
a second wheel 152 is rotatably fixed to a lower inner end of the
support frame 130 facing the first wheel 151. Also, the first wheel
151 and the second wheel 152 on which a wire 160 is simultaneously
wound are connected to each other, and form a wire connection
structure having a closed loop shape as a whole. Also, a balancing
weight 170 configured to maintain a balance when the X-ray detector
120 vertically slidably moves is installed on the wire 160
positioned at a side opposite to the X-ray detector 120.
[0060] The first wheel 151 is rotatably fixed to the upper inner
end of the support frame 130, is connected to a driving motor (not
illustrated) provided inside the support frame 130 through a power
transmission member (for example, a belt), receives rotary power of
the driving motor through the power transmission member, and
rotates forward or backward. Here, a forward or backward rotation
operation of the driving motor is performed through the
manipulation switch 180 provided at the outside of the X-ray
detecting device 100. In this case, the manipulation switch 180 has
a form of a foot switch that an operator who will perform the X-ray
imaging task can step on for manipulation.
[0061] The second wheel 152 is rotatably fixed to the lower inner
end of the support frame 130 positioned at a side opposite to the
first wheel 151. Also, the first wheel 151 positioned at an upper
side and the second wheel 152 positioned at a lower side are
connected through the wire 160, and when the first wheel 151
rotates, the second wheel 152 also rotates in the same direction in
linkage therewith. In addition, in the wire 160 wound between the
first wheel 151 and the second wheel 152, parts of a front side and
rear side thereof linearly move in opposite directions with respect
to an imaginary center line connecting rotation axes of the first
wheel 151 and the second wheel 152.
[0062] In this case, since the wire 160 has a connection structure
in which the first wheel 151 and the second wheel 152 form a closed
loop, the wire 160 serves as a power transmission member that
transmits rotary power of the first wheel 151 to the second wheel
152. In addition, the second wheel 152 serves as a wire support
unit enabling the wire 160 to remain in a linearly tight state
together with the first wheel 151.
[0063] The X-ray detector 120 includes an X-ray detector body 122
having a plate shape and the sliding frame 123 that is combined
with a rear side of the X-ray detector body 122 and slidably
transfers in a vertical direction (a lengthwise direction) while
being accommodated inside the support frame 130.
[0064] The balancing weight 170 is provided to have a weight
similar to a total weight of the X-ray detector 120 such that a
mutual weight balance with the X-ray detector 120 positioned at a
front side opposite thereto can be maintained. The balancing weight
170 is connected to the X-ray detector 120 through the wire 160,
and when the X-ray detector 120 is raised, is lowered, and
otherwise when the X-ray detector 120 is lowered, is raised.
Accordingly, a weight balance with the X-ray detector 120 is
maintained. Therefore, when the operator vertically moves the X-ray
detector 120 and manually performs a position adjusting task, the
operator can easily and conveniently perform a vertical transfer
task of the X-ray detector 120 effortlessly.
[0065] Meanwhile, the wire 160 has a structure in which two wires
are connected to each other and includes a first wire 162 to be
wound on a part of the first wheel 151 and a second wire 164 to be
wound on a part of the second wheel 152.
[0066] Here, while the first wire 162 is wound on the first wheel
151 positioned at the upper inner end of the support frame 130, one
end thereof is fixed to an upper end of the sliding frame 123 on
which the X-ray detector 120 is mounted, and the other end thereof
is fixed to an upper end of the balancing weight 170 positioned at
a side opposite to the X-ray detector 120.
[0067] In this case, while one end of the first wire 162 fixed to
the upper end of the sliding frame 123 is connected to a wire
fixing screw 165, when the wire fixing screw 165 is fastened to an
upper end of a fixing bracket 124 that is fixed to the sliding
frame 123 and has a bracket shape, fixation is performed. In
addition, when the other end of the first wire 162 is connected to
a wire fixing screw 167 and then is fastened to the upper end of
the balancing weight 170 positioned at a side opposite thereto
through the wire fixing screw 167, fixation is performed.
[0068] While the second wire 164 is wound on the second wheel 152
positioned at the lower inner end of the support frame, one end
thereof is fixed to a lower end of the sliding frame 123 and the
other end thereof is fixed to a lower end of the balancing weight
170.
[0069] In this case, while one end of the second wire 164 fixed to
the lower end of the sliding frame 123 is connected to a wire
fixing screw 166, when the wire fixing screw 166 is fastened to a
lower end of the fixing bracket 124 fixed to the sliding frame 123,
fixation is performed. In addition, while the other end of the
second wire 164 is connected to a wire fixing screw 168, when the
wire fixing screw 168 is fastened to a lower end of the balancing
weight 170, fixation is performed.
[0070] In this manner, the first wire 162 and the second wire 164
are fastened and fixed to upper and lower ends of the sliding frame
123 and upper and lower ends of the balancing weight 170 while
being wound on the first wheel 151 and the second wheel 152,
respectively, through the wire fixing screws, and form a wire
structure having a closed loop shape without a disconnected
part.
[0071] As described above, both ends of the first wire 162 and the
second wire 164 are detachably combined with the fixing bracket 124
of the sliding frame 123 and the balancing weight 170 using the
wire fixing screws. Therefore, since the wire fixing screws fixed
to both ends of the first and second wires 162 and 164 can be
easily separated from and recombined with the fixing bracket 124 of
the sliding frame 123 or the balancing weight 170 as necessary, it
is possible to easily replace or repair a component when an
internal component is damaged.
[0072] In addition, since the two wires 162 and 164 have a closed
loop shape between the first wheel 151 and the second wheel 152 and
has a tightly connected structure, even when a mode of the X-ray
detecting device is changed from a standing imaging mode in an
upright state to a table imaging mode in a horizontal state, it is
possible to prevent the wires 162 and 164 wound on the first wheel
151 and the second wheel 152 inside the support frame 130 from
being released and separated from the wheel. Therefore, it is
possible to prevent damage or safety problems of devices that can
be caused when the wires 162 and 164 wound on the wheels 151 and
152 are released and the balancing weight 170 is separated from its
own position.
[0073] Meanwhile, FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which an entire
X-ray imaging apparatus including the X-ray generating device and
the X-ray detecting device is disposed when X-ray imaging is
performed in the standing mode using the X-ray detecting device 100
of the present invention.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when X-ray imaging is performed in
the standing mode, while the actuator is driven and the support
frame 130 of the X-ray detecting device 100 remains in an upright
state (perpendicular to the bottom surface), imaging is performed.
In this case, while the operator who performs the X-ray imaging
task manually or automatically manipulates the X-ray detector 120
such that the X-ray detector 120 is positioned at an appropriate
imaging target area of the patient and a height is adjusted, X-rays
are emitted to the X-ray detecting device 100 through an X-ray
generating device 200 disposed at a rear side and then imaging is
performed.
[0075] Here, a configuration of the X-ray generating device 200
configured to emit X-rays to the X-ray detecting device 100 of the
present invention includes a transfer body 220 that is slidably
installed in a front and rear direction (a left and right direction
in the drawing) along a rail 210 fixed to the bottom surface, a
vertical frame 230 that vertically stands on and is combined with
the transfer body 220, an arm 240 that is disposed perpendicularly
to the vertical frame 230 and vertically transfers in a lengthwise
direction of the vertical frame 230, and an X-ray generator 250
pivotally mounted on an end of the arm 240. The X-ray generating
device 200 configured in this manner is used, the X-ray generator
250 is moved in a front and rear direction or a vertical direction,
a position thereof is adjusted to be placed at an appropriate
imaging position, and then X-rays are emitted to the X-ray detector
120. Therefore, it is possible to easily image each area of a body
such as a chest or a head of the patient.
[0076] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 illustrates a state in which an entire
X-ray imaging apparatus is disposed when X-ray imaging is performed
in a table mode using the X-ray detecting device 100 of the present
invention described above.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 8, in table mode imaging in which
X-ray imaging is performed while the patient is lying on the table,
while the actuator is driven and the support frame 130 of the X-ray
detecting device 100 is bent at 90 degrees to be parallel to the
bottom surface and remains in a horizontal state, imaging is
performed. In this state, while a table 300 whose one side surface
is open is moved to the X-ray detecting device 100 and the X-ray
detecting device 100 is disposed to be positioned in the table 300,
a position adjusting task of the X-ray generator 250 is performed
such that the X-ray generator 250 is positioned above a side
opposite to the X-ray detector 120, and then the X-ray imaging task
can be performed while the patient is lying on the table 300.
[0078] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging
apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 10 is a detail view illustrating a detailed part of
a table tilting device of FIG. 9. Also, FIG. 11 is a usage state
diagram illustrating a state in which a table is completely tilted
up in order to perform imaging in a standing mode in the X-ray
imaging apparatus of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view
illustrating a state in which a lower end of a rotating leg portion
of a table is parked in a parking device provided in a bottom
portion. FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view illustrating a state
in which a driving unit for a sliding linear movement is installed
in a base frame.
[0079] Unlike the X-ray imaging apparatus of the first embodiment
described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the
second embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in
which the X-ray detecting device 100 and the table 300 form one set
above a bottom portion 190 in an assembling manner. Even in a
narrow space, that is, a very small installation space, it is
possible to easily perform imaging by variously changing a mode to
the standing or table mode through the X-ray detecting device 100
of the present invention.
[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, the X-ray imaging apparatus
according to the second embodiment of the present invention
includes the base frame 110 installed to be slidably linearly
movable on the bottom portion 190, the support frame 130 pivotally
combined with one side of the base frame 110 and having one side at
which the X-ray detector 120 configured to detect X-rays emitted
from an X-ray generating device is slidably installed, the actuator
140 including one end that is pivotally fixed to the base frame 110
and the other end that is pivotally fixed to the support frame 130,
and enabling the support frame 130 to be pivoted in a predetermined
angle range, a driving unit configured to drive such that the base
frame 110 slidably linearly moves on the bottom portion 190, the
table 300 installed above the bottom portion 190 in a tiltable
manner, a tilting unit configured to tilt the table 300, and a
control unit configured to control the actuator 140, the driving
unit and the tilting unit.
[0081] Here, basic configurations and functions of the base frame
110, the support frame 130 with which the X-ray detector 120 is
slidably combined, and the actuator 140 configured to pivot the
support frame 130 in a certain angle range of the X-ray detecting
device 100 according to the second embodiment of the present
invention are the same as those in the first embodiment described
above. Therefore, only configurations of the second embodiment
different from the first embodiment described above will be
described below in detail.
[0082] The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which
the X-ray detecting device 100 that is horizontally movable and the
table 300 that is tiltable form one set in an assembling manner
above the bottom portion 190 forming a certain rectangular
space.
[0083] Specifically, the base frame 110 in which the support frame
130 provided with the X-ray detector 120 is supported to be
rotatable has a rectangular box shape, and is installed to be
slidably linearly movable in a front and rear direction along an
upper surface of the bottom portion 190.
[0084] In a center of an upper end of the base frame 110, a groove
115 that has a certain width and is recessed downward such that a
lower end of the support frame 130 is not interfered with and is
able to freely pass when the support frame 130 is pivoted is
formed.
[0085] Also, the actuator (not illustrated) having the same shape
as in the first embodiment described above is provided inside the
base frame 110 such that the support frame 130 provided with the
X-ray detector 120 can be pivoted in a predetermined angle
range.
[0086] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 13, in the base frame 110, a
driving unit configured to drive such that the base frame 110
slidably linearly reciprocates along an upper surface of the bottom
portion 190 is installed.
[0087] The driving unit includes a driving motor 342 installed
inside the base frame 110, a plurality of casters 344 that are
rotatably installed at a lower end of the base frame 110 and move
along the upper surface of the bottom portion 190 in a rolling
manner, and a power transmission device 343 connecting the driving
motor 342 and the caster 344 and configured to transmit power of
the driving motor 342 to the caster 344. Also, the driving unit
includes a guide unit configured to guide such that the caster 344
installed at the lower end of the base frame 110 can linearly
reciprocally move along a determined linear trajectory.
[0088] The driving motor 342 is connected to a control unit 180
positioned at the bottom portion 190, is driven forward or backward
through the control unit 180, rotates the caster 344, and provides
a driving force such that the base frame 110 is slidably moved to
the upper surface of the bottom portion 190.
[0089] The control unit 180 configured to control the driving motor
342 controls the actuator 140 and the driving unit such that a
sliding linear movement of the base frame 110 and a rotational
movement of the support frame 130 with respect to the base frame
110 can be simultaneously performed.
[0090] As the control unit 180, a foot switch having a shape as
illustrated in FIG. 9 may be applied in order for the user to
easily perform manipulation using his or her foot. Such a foot
switch can be configured such that tilting up and down of the table
300, sliding in a front and rear direction of the base frame 110,
and a forward or backward rotational movement of the support frame
130 can be controlled separately or simultaneously.
[0091] The power transmission device 343 is a device configured to
reduce the number of revolutions of the driving motor 342 at a
certain ratio and transmit power to the caster 344, and may be
configured as a combination of a plurality of gears or a
combination of a pulley, a belt, a chain and the like.
[0092] The guide unit is a device configured to reciprocate the
base frame 110 along a determined linear trajectory above the
bottom portion 190. The guide unit may be configured such that, for
example, a guide piece protruding downward from a side surface of
the base frame 110 is formed, a linear groove into which the guide
piece is inserted is formed on the bottom portion 190, and when the
base frame 110 slidably moves, the base frame 110 reciprocates
along a determined linear trajectory through the guide piece and
the linear groove.
[0093] Also, when it is configured such that the caster 344 of the
lower end of the base frame 110 is inserted into the linear groove
formed on the bottom portion 190 and then moves along the linear
groove in a rolling manner, the base frame 110 may move along a
determined linear trajectory above the bottom portion 190.
[0094] Meanwhile, the table 300 includes a rectangular upper plate
301 on which the patient can lie on, and four leg portions 302 and
303 provided at lower ends of four corners of the rectangular upper
plate 301.
[0095] Among the four leg portions 302 and 303 provided in the
table 300, the two leg portions 302 at one side are fixed to the
bottom portion 190, and the two leg portions 303 at the other side
are freely detachable from the bottom portion 190.
[0096] That is, the pair of fixed leg portions 302 provided at a
long side part of the table 300 have lower ends that are fixed to
the bottom portion 190 and upper ends that are rotatably combined
with a part of the upper plate 301 by a hinge. In addition, the
pair of rotating leg portions 303 provided at an opposite long side
part of the upper plate 301 facing the fixed leg portion 302 have
upper ends that are rotatably combined with a part of the upper
plate 301 by a hinge and lower ends that are mounted on the bottom
portion 190.
[0097] Meanwhile, a table tilting unit is connected to the control
unit 180, and enables the table 300 to be tilted up or tilted down
according to a control signal applied from the control unit
180.
[0098] Such a tilting unit includes a first bracket 304 combined
with the fixed leg portion 302, a second bracket 305 combined with
the upper plate 301, and a cylinder 310 that is provided between
the first bracket 304 and the second bracket 305, expands and
contracts a rod 311 provided therein, and thus drives the upper
plate 301 to be tilted up and down.
[0099] The first bracket 304 has a structure protruding from one
side surface of the fixed leg portion 302 for combination. The
second bracket 305 has a structure protruding from a lower end of a
side surface of the upper plate 301 for combination. Also, a lower
end of the cylinder 310 is rotatably combined with the first
bracket 304 by a hinge, and the rod 311 at the upper end of the
cylinder 310 is rotatably combined with a part of the second
bracket 305 by a hinge.
[0100] The cylinder 310 may include, for example, a pneumatic
cylinder that is operated using a pneumatic pressure, a hydraulic
cylinder that is operated using a hydraulic pressure, or an
electric cylinder configured to rotate a motor inside the cylinder
forward or backward when power is applied and reciprocate the rod.
In the present embodiment, the electric cylinder that is operated
using electricity is used and thus a tilting operation of the table
may be performed more precisely.
[0101] One tilting unit may be installed at either of the pair of
fixed leg portions 302 of the table 300 as in the present
embodiment, or the tilting unit may be installed at both of the
fixed leg portion 302.
[0102] Meanwhile, FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which a lower end
of the rotating leg portion 303 of the table 300 is parked in the
parking device provided in the bottom portion 190 in the table mode
in which the upper plate 301 is tilted down.
[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 12, in a part of the bottom portion
190 on which the lower end of the rotating leg portion 303 of the
table 300 is mounted, a parking device 320 configured to park the
rotating leg portion 303 to be mounted at a determined position is
provided.
[0104] The parking device 320 is installed into a groove 192 formed
at both corner parts of the bottom portion 190. The parking device
320 includes a leg pedestal portion 306 made of a shock-absorbing
material attached to the lower end of the rotating leg portion 303,
a U-shaped mounting unit 322 on which the leg pedestal portion 306
is inserted and mounted, and a leading unit 324 configured to lead
the leg pedestal portion 306 to be inserted into the mounting unit
322.
[0105] The leg pedestal portion 306 fixed to the lower end of the
rotating leg portion 303 is made of a shock-absorbing material such
as a rubber or silicone material in order to relieve shock when the
table 300 is tilted down and the rotating leg portion 303 moves
down and comes in contact with the ground.
[0106] The mounting unit 322 has a U-shaped plate whose upper part
is open and both facing side surfaces of one side are open. At an
upper end of the mounting unit 322, the leading unit 324 that is
obliquely bent outward, and when the rotating leg portion 303 moves
down, induces the leg pedestal portion 306 into the mounting unit
322 to be easily inserted and mounted is formed.
[0107] Also, the mounting unit 322 is firmly attached and fixed to
an upper surface of a fixing member 321 made of the shock-absorbing
material as in the leg pedestal portion 306.
[0108] FIG. 14 is an operation state diagram sequentially
illustrating a process in which the table 300 is tilted up by the
tilting unit in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0109] FIG. 14A illustrates a state of the table 300 when the X-ray
imaging; apparatus of the present invention performs imaging in the
table mode. In the table mode, the leg pedestal portion 306 of the
lower end of the rotating leg portion 303 of the table 300 is
mounted into the parking device 320 and remains in a fixed state
without an unbalanced sliding motion in a horizontal direction.
[0110] In this state, when a mode of the table 300 is changed to
the standing mode, if a control signal is applied to the cylinder
310 through the control unit 180, the rod 311 inside the cylinder
310 is withdrawn, and the upper plate 301 hinged to the fixed leg
portion 302 is moved up in a rotating manner as illustrated in FIG.
14B. In this process, the leg pedestal portion 306 provided at the
lower end of the rotating leg portion 303 is separated from the
parking device 320.
[0111] Then, in a state in which the rod 311 of the cylinder 310 is
completely withdrawn and the upper plate 301 is lifted up to the
top, as illustrated in FIG. 14C, the upper plate 301 of the table
300 is in parallel with the fixed leg portion 302. After the table
300 is completely tilted up in this manner, the control unit 180,
that is, the foot switch, is manipulated, the support frame 130 of
the X-ray detecting device stands upright with respect to the base
frame 110, and thus an imaging task can be performed in the
standing mode.
[0112] Meanwhile, when a mode of the table 300 is changed to the
table mode again, a control signal in a reverse direction is
applied to the cylinder 310 through the control unit 180, the upper
plate 301 is tilted down through a contraction operation of the rod
311 of the cylinder and a state is restored to the initial (a).
[0113] FIG. 15 is an operation state diagram sequentially
illustrating a process in which, while the table 300 is tilted up
in the standing imaging mode as in FIG. 14C, the base frame 110
slidably moves in a horizontal direction and simultaneously the
support frame 130 of the X-ray detecting device stands upright with
respect to the base frame 110.
[0114] After the table 300 is tilted up and a mode is switched to
the standing mode, if a control signal is applied to the driving
motor provided inside the base frame 110 through the control unit
180, the base frame 110 slidably moves from a point "A," which is
an initial position of the bottom portion 190, to a point "B" as
illustrated in FIG. 15A. In this case, according to driving of the
actuator inside the base frame 110 as illustrated in FIG. 15B in
linkage with a sliding movement of the base frame 110, the support
frame 130 is gradually raised from the base frame 110, the support
frame 130 is completely upright with respect to the base frame 110
at the point "B" at which the sliding movement of the base frame
110 ends, and thus the imaging task can be performed in the
standing imaging mode.
[0115] As described above, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus
of the present invention, the actuator 140 installed in the X-ray
detecting device 100 is driven, an imaging orientation mode of the
X-ray detecting device 100 is changed to various modes such as the
standing mode or the table mode, and thus the X-ray imaging task
can be performed quickly and conveniently. In addition, imaging can
be performed using one X-ray detecting device 100 by easily
changing a mode to various imaging modes including the standing
mode and the table mode, unlike the related art. Therefore, since
there is no need to separately provide a dedicated imaging
apparatus for performing imaging in the standing mode or the table
mode, it is possible to reduce an installation cost, and since a
separate dedicated installation space for each imaging mode is
unnecessary, it is possible to maximize a space utilization.
[0116] In addition, according to the X-ray detecting device 100 of
the present invention, a wire connection structure having a closed
loop shape in which the first wheel 151 and the second wheel 152
are rotatably fixed to the inner upper and lower ends of the
support frame 130, and the wire 160 is wound on and connects the
first wheel 151 and the second wheel 152 is formed. Therefore, when
a mode of the X-ray detecting device 100 is switched from the
standing imaging mode to the table imaging mode or switched from
the table imaging mode to the standing imaging mode, it is possible
to prevent the wire 160 wound between the two wheels 151 and 152
from being released and separated. In addition, it is possible to
prevent internal component damage and safety problems caused when
the wire 160 is separated from the wheels 151 and 152 and thus the
balancing weight 170 is separated.
[0117] Also, the X-ray detecting device 100 is installed to be
horizontally movable in a front and rear direction and
simultaneously the table 300 is installed to be tiltable in a
vertical direction. Therefore, when imaging is performed in the
standing mode, the imaging task can be performed while the table
300 is tilted and then the X-ray detecting device 100 is
horizontally moved in one direction and is in an upright state.
When imaging is performed in the table mode, the upright X-ray
detecting device 100 is moved in an opposite direction again and is
placed in a horizontal state, the table 300 is restored to an
original state again, and the imaging task can be easily performed
in the table mode. Therefore, even in a narrow space, that is, a
limited space, it is possible to easily perform the X-ray imaging
task by freely changing a mode to the standing mode or the table
mode using the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention. It
is possible to suppress an increase of additional costs necessary
for ensuring an installation space according to separate
installation of the X-ray detecting device and the table in
different spaces.
[0118] While embodiments of the present invention have been
described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited
to the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can appropriately make
changes within the scope defined by the appended claims of the
present invention.
* * * * *